Vision aid device

ABSTRACT

A wearable device that aids vision of a person is disclosed that includes a display system including a display device, a first polarizer parallel to the display device, a quarter waveplate, and a mirror. The display device, the first polarizer, the quarter waveplate, and the mirror are arranged sequentially such that the display device is disposed at a first end of the display system and the mirror is disposed at a second, opposite end of the display system. The display system has a length corresponding to a focal length of the mirror. A camera system includes a camera and an image stabilization system with a zoom magnification configured to provide up to at or about 60 times zoom. The display system and the camera system are secured to a mount and are movable relative to each other about the mount. The mount is secured to a frame.

FIELD

This disclosure is directed to a device for aiding vision of a person.More specifically, the disclosure is directed to a wearable device foraiding vision of a person such as, but not limited to, a personsuffering from a degenerative vision medical condition.

BACKGROUND

Macular degeneration is a common medical condition, especially amongelderly people. A person suffering from macular degeneration generallyhas a damaged or malfunctioning retina, particularly the macula of theretina. The macula generally has the sharpest resolution of the eye.Generally, the damaged or malfunctioning macula may not properly respondto light in a front of the person. As a result, the person may haveblurred or no vision in a region at or about a center of a field ofvision. Macular degeneration may limit a person's ability to recognizefaces, drive, read, or the like. The deterioration of the macula mayexpand outwards from the central part of the retina. However, it isunlikely to affect a peripheral region of the retina.

SUMMARY

This disclosure is directed to a device for aiding vision of a person.More specifically, the disclosure is directed to a wearable device foraiding vision of a person such as a person suffering from a degenerativevision medical condition.

In an embodiment, the device is a head-wearable device. In anembodiment, the head-wearable device can be a glasses device. In anembodiment, the head-wearable device can be a hat, headband, or thelike.

In an embodiment, the wearable device includes a camera system, adisplay device, a display system, a transparent enclosure for thedisplay system, a mount, a first sliding enclosure (x-axis) capable ofadjusting the position between the camera system and the display system,and a second sliding enclosure (y-axis) capable of adjusting thedistance between the display system and an eye of a person wearing thedevice.

In an embodiment, the wearable device further includes a controllercapable of outputting at least one command. In an embodiment, thecommand is used to control one or more of a color scheme, brightness,and contrast of the display screen. In an embodiment, the controller iscapable of receiving an input from one or more buttons. In anembodiment, the controller can be a wired or a wireless controller. Thecontrols can also be performed using buttons on the wearable device. Inan embodiment, the controls are buttons on a printed circuit board (PCB)for controlling the wearable device.

In an embodiment, the first or the second sliding enclosure can beadjusted either manually or automatically.

In an embodiment, the device further includes a power switch for thedisplay device and the camera.

A wearable device that aids vision of a person is disclosed. Thewearable device includes a display system including a display device, afirst polarizer parallel to the display device, a quarter waveplate, anda mirror, wherein the display device, the first polarizer, the quarterwaveplate, and the mirror are arranged sequentially such that thedisplay device is disposed at a first end of the display system and themirror is disposed at a second, opposite end of the display system. Thedisplay system has a length corresponding to a focal length of themirror. A camera system includes a camera and an image stabilizationsystem. The camera includes a zoom magnification configured to provideup to at or about 60 times zoom. A mount is included. The display systemand the camera system are secured to the mount. The display system andthe camera system are movable relative to each other about the mount.The mount is secured to a frame.

A head-wearable device that aids vision of a person is also disclosed.The head-wearable device includes a display system including a displaydevice, a first polarizer parallel to the display device, a secondpolarizer disposed at a 45° angle relative to the display device, aquarter waveplate, and a mirror, wherein the display device, the firstpolarizer, the second polarizer, the quarter waveplate, and the mirrorare arranged sequentially such that the display device is disposed at afirst end of the display system and the mirror is disposed at a second,opposite end of the display system. The display system has a lengthcorresponding to a focal length of the mirror. A camera system includesa camera and an image stabilization system, the camera including a zoommagnification configured to provide up to at or about 60 times zoom. Thedisplay system and the camera system are secured to the mount. Thedisplay system and the camera system are movable relative to each otherabout the mount. The mount is secured to a frame.

A method to aid vision of a person with a visual degeneration medicalcondition is also disclosed. The method includes installing a wearabledevice in the person's field of view. A scene is captured in front ofthe person with a camera. The scene as captured is stabilized. The sceneas stabilized is displayed on a display system of the wearable device.Displaying on the display system includes passing light through thefirst linear polarizer, the second linear polarizer, and the quarterwaveplate to form circularly polarized light; reflecting the circularlypolarized light off the mirror; passing the reflected circularlypolarized light through the quarter waveplate and reflecting on thesecond polarizer to pass into the person's eye, thereby forming avirtual image on part of the retina.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part ofthis disclosure, and which illustrate embodiments in which the systemsand methods described can be practiced.

FIG. 1A shows a normal field of view of a person, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a field of view of a person having a degenerative visionmedical condition, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1C shows a field of view of the person having the degenerativevision medical condition from FIG. 1B wearing a wearable device foraiding vision of a person, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a retina of a person having adegenerative vision medical condition, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device for aiding vision ofa person, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the wearable device for aiding thevision of the person of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a top view of an optical component andlight path from a display of the wearable device for aiding the visionof the person, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device for aiding vision ofa person, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method to operate a wearable device foraiding the vision of a person, according to an embodiment.

Like reference numbers represent like parts throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is directed to a device for aiding vision of a person.More specifically, the disclosure is directed to a wearable device foraiding vision of a person such as a person suffering from a degenerativevision medical condition.

People suffering from a degenerative vision medical condition such as,but not limited to, macular degeneration, may have blurred or no visionin particular areas of their vision.

Macular degeneration is a common medical condition, especially amongelderly people. A person suffering from macular degeneration generallyhas a damaged or malfunctioning retina, particularly the macula of theretina. The macula generally has the sharpest resolution of the eye.Generally, the damaged or malfunctioning macula may not properly respondto light in a front of the person. As a result, the person may haveblurred or no vision in a region at or about a center of a field ofvision. Macular degeneration may limit a person's ability to recognizefaces, drive, read, or the like. The deterioration of the macula mayexpand outwards from the central part of the retina. However, it isunlikely to affect a peripheral region of the retina. In cases where aperson's peripheral region of the retina is unaffected, the person'svision may be enhanced with an external device.

Currently, devices for aiding the vision of a person having maculardegeneration may reflect light via a display screen into the person'seye. However, these devices generally require an enclosed space foroptical efficiency and contrast, similar to a virtual reality headset.As a result, the vision aid devices are generally bulky in both size andappearance. Devices for aiding the vision of a person which are smallerin size are desirable.

Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a wearable device thatcan capture and magnify a scene that would normally be formed at themalfunctioning macular region. The captured and magnified scene can thenbe projected in a well-functioning region of the retina (e.g., aperipheral region outside of a center of the field of view, etc.). In anembodiment, magnification may be used to compensate for limitations ofthe retina outside of the macula.

In an embodiment, the wearable device for aiding vision of a person canutilize a polarization projection method. In an embodiment, usingpolarization-implemented augmented reality may enable a reduction insize of the wearable device. In an embodiment, the reduction in sizecan, for example, result in a minimalistic design having a relativelybetter aesthetic appearance in comparison to a conventional reflectionsystem.

FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic diagrams that illustrate a normal field ofview 10 of a person, a field of view 16 of a person having adegenerative vision medical condition, and a field of view 18 of theperson having the degenerative vision medical condition when using awearable device for aiding vision of the person, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 1A shows the normal field of view 10 of a person, according to anembodiment. Within the normal field of view 10 are a plurality ofletters 12. It will be appreciated that the letters 12 are shown as anexample, and that the field of view 10 could alternatively includeimages other than letters. The normal field of view 10 includes acentral region 14 that is illustrated in dashed lines. The centralregion 14 indicates an area in which the person's macula would identifythe letters 12. For simplicity of this specification, the normal fieldof view 10 does not include variations in resolution across the variousregions of a person's retina.

FIG. 1B shows the field of view 16 of a person having a degenerativevision medical condition, according to an embodiment. The degenerativevision medical condition can be representative of macular degeneration.In the field of view 16, a central region 14A is shown in place of thecentral region 14 (FIG. 1A) that does not include any of the letters 12.Instead, the central region 14A is shown as being blocked (e.g.,blurred, etc.) to represent the blind spot of the person having thedegenerative vision medical condition due to the malfunctioning macula.

FIG. 1C shows the field of view 18 of the person having the degenerativevision medical condition from FIG. 1B wearing a wearable device foraiding vision of a person, according to an embodiment. Similar to FIG.1B, the central region 14A is shown without any of the letters 12 thatare visible in the central region 14 (FIG. 1A) of the normal field ofview 10. However, the letters 12 that were illustrated in the centralregion 14 of the normal field of view 10 are shown in a region 20 as avirtual image which is displayed within the field of view 18. The region20 includes the same letters M, N, W, X, and Y as displayed in thecentral region 14 of the normal field of view 10. The letters can becaptured by a camera of the wearable device for aiding the vision of theperson and projected in a region outside of the macula (e.g., afunctioning region of the retina) for the person to view. The wearabledevice for aiding the vision of the person is described in additionaldetail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the region 20 is shown inan upper right corner of the field of view 18. It will be appreciatedthat the region 20 can alternatively be displayed in other areas of thefield of view 18 which are outside of the malfunctioning macula region,according to the principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a retina 30 of a person having adegenerative vision medical condition, according to an embodiment. Itwill be appreciated that the degenerative vision medical condition inthe illustrated embodiment is generally representative of maculardegeneration. As such, the retina 30 is representative of a retina froma person having a malfunctioning or damaged macula. The retina 30includes a functioning region 32 and a malfunctioning region 34. Thefunctioning region 32 of the retina 30 is generally located at aperipheral region of the retina 30 that surrounds the malfunctioningregion 34. The malfunctioning region 34 of the retina 30 is generallylocated at or about a center of the retina 30. It will be appreciatedthat the retina 30 including the functioning region 32 and themalfunctioning region 34 are intended as an example, and that therelative size and shape of the functioning region 32 and themalfunctioning region 34 can vary according to the person.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a person 40 wearing a wearable device42 for aiding vision of the person 40, according to an embodiment.

The wearable device 42 in the illustrated embodiment is in a form ofglasses that can be worn by the person 40. The wearable device 42includes a mount 44, a frame 46, a display system 48, and a camerasystem 50. In an embodiment, the display system 48 can alternatively bereferred to as the optical component 48. In an embodiment, the camerasystem 50 can alternatively be referred to as the camera component 50.The camera system 50 includes a camera 52.

The display system 48 includes an enclosure 49. In an embodiment, theenclosure 49 can be optical glass, a transparent material such as apolymer, combinations thereof, or the like. In an embodiment, theenclosure 49 can be a polycarbonate or the like. Because the enclosure49 is transparent, the person wearing the wearable device 42 canmaintain his/her original vision in the eye using thepolarization-implemented augmented reality. The projected image is“stacked” on top of his/her current vision. In an embodiment, thestacking of the projected image can make the person wearing the wearabledevice 42 more comfortable with a transition between his fields of viewwhen putting on or taking off the wearable device 42. In an embodiment,relating the content in the virtual image displayed by the displaysystem 48 with the wearer's peripheral vision, the wearer may be able tomore easily locate a particular target. In an embodiment, using thepolarization-implemented augmented reality may enable a reduction insize of the wearable device 42. Reducing the size of the wearable device42 can, in an embodiment, result in a minimalistic design having a morepleasing aesthetic appearance relative to prior devices.

The mount 44 attaches the wearable device 42 to one side of a frame 46.The frame 46 can be similar to a frame for glasses, according to anembodiment. In an embodiment, the mount 44 can also be attached to thebeam of a cap/hat or other head-wearable device such as, but not limitedto, a headband or the like. An embodiment in which the wearable device42 is attached to a hat is shown and described in accordance with FIG. 6below.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 42 may be adjustable tomanipulate, for example, a location of the camera system 50, the displaysystem 48, or a combination of the camera system 50 and the displaysystem 48. An adjustment mechanism is realized by sliding the camera 52within a hollow enclosure of the mount 44. In an embodiment, the slidingis designed with calculated tolerances, so that a relative positionbetween the two components can be fixed and the sliding occurs when anexternal force exceeds a certain value (e.g., from the wearer'sintentional adjustment as opposed to accidentally). The sliding can alsobe realized through flexures or screws translating into linear motion.In an embodiment, the sliding can be accomplished manually. In anembodiment, the sliding can be controlled electronically. In anembodiment including electronic control of the sliding motion, thewearable device 42 can include a retina scanner 53 (FIG. 4). The retinascanner 53 can be considered a part of the camera system 50, accordingto an embodiment. In use, the retina scanner 53 may be used to scan aretina of the wearer of the wearable device 42. Based on the scan of theretina of the wearer, the wearable device 42 may be electronicallyadjusted by sliding the adjustment mechanism.

In an embodiment, wearer 40 can easily adjust the relative positionbetween the camera system 50 and the mount 44. In an embodiment, thisadjustment mechanism can allow a y-axis adjustment up to at or about 10millimeters. In an embodiment, the y-axis adjustment can be greater thanat or about 10 millimeters. In an embodiment, the y-axis adjustment canbe conducted either manually or automatically. In an embodiment, they-axis adjustment can be manually completed by, for example, the wearersliding the camera system 50 in the y-direction, or by manipulating anadjustment screw that moves the camera system 50 in the y-direction. Inan embodiment, the wearer may be able to press an adjustment button thatmoves the camera system 50 in the y-direction. When the mount isattached to the beam of a cap (e.g., as shown and described inaccordance with FIG. 6), adjustments along the y-axis may be free (e.g.,greater than at or about 10 millimeters).

In an embodiment, the display system 48 incorporates another adjustmentmechanism (in this case between the display system 48 and the camerasystem 50) to achieve adjustment of the projection area along thex-axis. In an embodiment, the x-axis adjustment can be up to at or about8 millimeters. In an embodiment, the x-axis adjustment can be greaterthan at or about 8 millimeters. In an embodiment, the x-axis adjustmentcan be conducted either manually or automatically. In an embodiment, thex-axis adjustment can be manually completed by, for example, the wearersliding the camera system 50 in the x-direction, or by manipulating anadjustment screw that moves the camera system 50 in the x-direction. Inan embodiment, the wearer may be able to press an adjustment button thatmoves the camera system 50 in the x-direction. When the mount isattached to the beam of a cap (e.g., as shown and described inaccordance with FIG. 6), adjustments along the x-axis may be free (e.g.,greater than at or about 8 millimeters).

In an embodiment, the x-axis adjustment and y-axis adjustment can beconducted sequentially or simultaneously. In an embodiment, the virtualimage reflected into the wearer's eye can be located in any peripheralpart of the retina by utilizing the adjustment in the x-direction, they-direction, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the display system 48 and its components can becapable of producing a virtual image having a minimum apparent size of a50-inch screen viewed from 2.5 meters away.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the wearable device 42 for aiding thevision of the person 40 of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment.

The wearable device 42 includes the display system 48, display device54, camera device 50, and the mount 44. The display system 48 includes amirror 56, a wave plate 58, a first polarizer 60, and a second polarizer62.

The wearable device 42 includes the display system 48 and an imagestabilization system 64. A bigger image can be achieved to enable theapplication as a vision aid. A display device 54 connected to a camerasystem 50 on the wearable device 42 can be used to project an image. Thedisplay system 48 includes the mirror 56 separated from the displaydevice 54 by a distance D1 so that light reflected from the mirror 56will be collimated. In an embodiment, the distance D1 is at or about thesame as a focal length of the mirror 56. In an embodiment, the displaysystem 48 can be referred to as a modified polarizing beam splitter.

In an embodiment, two polarizers 60, 62 are placed between the displaydevice 54 and the mirror 56. In an embodiment, the first polarizer 60 isparallel to the display device 54. It will be appreciated that the firstpolarizer 50 may be substantially parallel to the display device 54subject to, for example, manufacturing tolerances and variations. In anembodiment, the second polarizer 62 is disposed at an angle θ relativeto the display device 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle θ isat or about 45° relative to the display device 54. The second polarizer62 can redirect light reflected from the mirror 56 into the wearer'seye, thus forming a virtual screen. In another embodiment, a singlepolarizer (e.g., polarizer 60) can be disposed between the displaydevice 54 and the mirror 56. The single polarizer 60 can form the angleθ of 45° to the display device 54.

The wearer can adjust the zoom magnification of the camera 52. The zoommagnification can be accomplished using the magnification-adjustmentbuttons 68. The magnification may be dependent on each wearer'sparticular vision condition. Accordingly, the magnification-adjustmentbuttons 68 can help compensate for either the decreased resolution in anarea of the retina other than the macula or blurry macular vision from,for example, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or the like.

In an embodiment, the zoom magnification can range from at or about 2 toat or about 60 times. In an embodiment, the zoom magnification can rangefrom at or about 5 to at or about 10 times. When using 2-time zoom, forexample, an object takes up about 4 times as many pixels as the sameobject under 1-time zoom. In an embodiment, the display device 54 has atleast at or about 8 times zoom.

Magnifying the projected scene (e.g., the region 20 in FIG. 1C) maylimit a field of view displayed on the display device 54. Accordingly, aminor movement from the wearer's head position can cause a large shiftin the projected scene. Stabilization in the capturing process istherefore desired.

In an embodiment, when a user reaches an extent of a zoom of the camera52, the user may be able to digitally zoom on the display device 54. Inan embodiment, the zooming may be controlled using themagnification-adjustment buttons 68. In an embodiment, a separate zoombutton 69 may be used to digitally zoom on the display device 54. In anembodiment that includes the zoom button 69, a user may zoom with eitherthe magnification-adjustment buttons 68 or the zoom button 69. In anembodiment that does not include the zoom button 69, the digital zoomingof the display may occur automatically when the user has adjusted thezoom to the extent of the camera 52.

In an embodiment, an image stabilization system 64 can be included inthe wearable device 42. For example, in an embodiment, an imagestabilizer can be built into a processor of the camera 52 to account forinvoluntary shaking or vibration from the wearer's head. In anembodiment, the image stabilizer can be a mechanical image stabilizer(e.g., a sensor-shifting image stabilizer, etc.), or can beprogrammatically controlled to provide electronic image stabilization.In an embodiment, the image stabilizer can have both a mechanicalcomponent and a programmatic component. The captured scene feeds intothe display device 54.

In an embodiment, the display device 54 can be an organic light emittingdiode (OLED) display, a ferroelectric liquid crystal on silicon (FLCOS)display, or the like. In an embodiment, if a resolution is sufficient,the display device 54 can be a light emitting diode (LED) display, aliquid crystal display (LCD), or the like.

In an embodiment, the mirror 56 can be toroidal or parabolic in shape.In an embodiment, the mirror 56 can be concave with a concave lensimmediately adjacent to the mirror 56. In an embodiment, the mirror 56can be a convex lens with a reflective coating on one end. In such anembodiment, the convex lens with a reflective coating can achieve a samerefractive power and reflection by fitting a concave lens to thereflectively coated convex lens.

The wearable device 42 can be switched on with a switch 66. In anembodiment, the switch 66 can include a physical switch. In anembodiment, the switch 66 can be controlled by a form of a proximitysensor. In an embodiment, the proximity sensor is an infrared sensor. Inan embodiment, the switch 66 can include an infrared switch which can betoggled based on proximity of, for example, a person's finger. Theswitch 66 can be placed at one side of the mount 44. When switched on,the camera 52 starts to capture an image and/or record a scene in theblind spot 14A. The person can choose the desired scene by movinghis/her head. The person can choose where the scene is projected inhis/her field of view using the adjustment mechanism described above.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 42 can provide a virtual imagewith a relatively bigger size in comparison to currently availableaugmented reality wearable products. In an embodiment, the size of thevirtual image has a minimum apparent size of a 50-inch screen viewedfrom 2 meters away. In an embodiment, the adjustment can be controlledvia a remote.

In an embodiment, optical components and their housings areproportionally increased so that the final projected image fits theideal dimension, which can be experimentally determined.

In another embodiment, the wearable device 42 is designed and configuredby attaching a telescope to the camera 52 or switching the camera 52with one that has optical zoom, so that the scene is already magnifiedbefore projection, and then adding another optical component behind theprism, so that the projected image can be larger.

In an embodiment, the display system 48 has a length approximate to thefocal length of the mirror 56.

In an embodiment, another piece of glass can be mounted between thedisplay system 48 and the eye of the person wearing the wearable device42 for a person who is either far-sighted or near-sighted.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the display system 48 andlight path from the display 54 of the wearable device 42 for aiding thevision of the person, according to an embodiment.

On a forward propagation path 80, light from the display device 54 goesthrough the first linear polarizer 60 and becomes linearly polarized.The second linear polarizer 62 is angled 45° relative to the firstlinear polarizer 60. The linearly polarized light, for examples-polarized, goes through the quarter waveplate 58, becoming circularlypolarized. The circularly polarized light then reflects on the mirror56, and becomes collimated. Upon reflection, the collimated andcircularly polarized light changes handedness. On its path back from themirror 56, the collimated and circularly polarized light 82 re-passesthrough the quarter waveplate 58, and changes to a polarizationorthogonal to that of the forward propagation path 80, for examplep-polarized. The collimated light, upon reaching the first linearpolarizer 60 will be reflected into the wearer's eye. Due to the natureof human vision, the eye perceives the incoming collimated light ascoming from infinity (e.g., a ray from a top of an object to the eye isapproximately parallel to the ground).

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a wearable device 100 for aiding visionof a person, according to another embodiment. The wearable device 100 isa head-wearable device. In particular, the head-wearable device is a hatthat can be worn on a head of the person. The wearable device 100 isshown with a cap/hat 102. It will be appreciated that the wearabledevice 100 can include the components other than the hat 102, but besecurable to a hat, according to an embodiment. Features of the wearabledevice 100 can be the same as or similar to features of the wearabledevice 42.

The wearable device 100 includes the hat 102, a display system 48, and acamera system 50. It will be appreciated that the wearable device 100can include one or more other features. For example, the hat 102 may beadjustable via one or more snaps or other features, according to anembodiment. Adjustability of the hat 102 can generally be in accordancewith known principles.

In operation, the wearer may be able to adjust a location of the displaysystem 48 by adjusting the hat 102. For example, the wearer may be ableto turn the hat 102 rightward or leftward to move a location of thedisplay system 48 in a rightward of leftward direction with respect tothe wearer's functioning retina (e.g., the functioning retina 32 in FIG.2).

The display system 48 is shown in a particular location of the hat 102.It will be appreciated that the display system 48 can alternatively bemoved to an opposite side (e.g., a right side in the figure) of the hat102. In an embodiment, the display system 48 may be movable by thewearer. For example, the display system 48 may be removably secured to aparticular location of the hat 102 so that the wearer may move thedisplay system 48 to a desired location. In another embodiment, thedisplay system 48 may be fixed. In such an embodiment, the wearer may beable to adjust a location of the display system 48 by adjusting the hat102.

The camera 52 is shown in about a center location of the hat 102. Itwill be appreciated that the camera 52 can be moved. For example, thecamera 52 can be moved relatively up or down on the hat 102. In anembodiment, the camera 52 can be moved leftward or rightward on the hat102. In an embodiment, the camera 52 may be removably secured to the hat102 so that the wearer can remove the camera 52 and point it toward aselected object. The camera system 50 is shown at a particular locationof the hat 102. It will be appreciated that the camera system 50 can bemoved to a different location of the hat 102. In an embodiment, featuresillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, but not shown in FIG. 6, may also beincluded in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

It will be appreciated that the relative size and location of thedisplay system 48 and the camera system 50 in FIGS. 3 and 6 may bevariable, according to an embodiment. The illustrations are intended asexamples and not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method 150 to operate a wearable device foraiding the vision of a person, according to an embodiment. The method150 can generally be used to operate the wearable device 42 (FIG. 3) orthe wearable device 100 (FIG. 6) to aid the vision of the person.

The method 150 begins at 152 with capturing a scene in front of thewearer of the wearable device 42 using a camera (e.g., the camera 52 inFIG. 4). At 154 the scene captured at 152 is stabilized (e.g., withimage stabilizing processor 64 in FIG. 3) and displayed on a display(e.g., the display 54 of the wearable device 42 in FIG. 4) for thewearer of the wearable device 42.

At 156, light from the display device 54 sequentially passes through alinear polarizer (e.g., first linear polarizer 60 in FIG. 4), a secondlinear polarizer (e.g., second linear polarizer 62 in FIG. 4), and aquarter waveplate (e.g., waveplate 58 in FIG. 4) to form circularlypolarized light. In an embodiment, there may be a single linearpolarizer. In such an embodiment, the second linear polarizer would notbe present and the light would pass from the first linear polarizer tothe quarter waveplate.

At 158, the circularly polarized light reflects off a mirror (e.g.,mirror 56 in FIG. 4) and changes handedness. At 160, the circularlypolarized light with reversed handedness passes through the quarterwaveplate, switching back to linearly polarized light. At 162, thelinearly polarized light reflects on the second linear polarizer andenters the patient's eye forming a virtual image on part of a retina(e.g., the functioning part 32 in FIG. 2). In an embodiment with thesingle linear polarizer, the linearly polarized light would reflect onthe first linear polarizer and enter the patient's eye, forming avirtual image on part of the retina.

At 164, the scene and projection position on the retina, magnification,and the size of the image are adjusted by the person or an implementedprogram, until a clear virtual image in a proper size is formed on thefunctioning part of the retina. In an embodiment, 164 can includeelectronically controlling an adjustment in an x-direction andy-direction of the display system 48 via sliding motion (e.g., usingmount 44 in FIG. 4). In such an embodiment, 164 can include scanning aretina of the wearer of the wearable device 42 using a retina scanner 53(FIG. 4). Based on the scan of the retina of the wearer, the wearabledevice 42 may be electronically adjusted by sliding the adjustmentmechanism.

Aspects:

It is to be appreciated that any one of aspects 1-9 can be combined withany one of aspects 10, 11-19, 20, 21-32, 33-38, and 39-40. Aspect 10 canbe combined with any one of aspects 1-19, 20, 21-32, 33-38, and 39-40.Any one of aspects 11-19 can be combined with any one of aspects 20,21-32, 33-38, and 39-40. Any one of aspects 21-32 can be combined withany one of aspects 33-38 and 39-40. Any one of aspects 33-38 can becombined with any one of aspects 39-40.

Aspect 1. A vision aid device for a patient with macular degenerationwithout causing any dizziness or with minimal dizziness, comprising: acamera component; a display screen; an optical component; a powerswitch; a mount; and a magnification control, wherein the cameracomponent consists of a camera with zoom and an image stabilizationsystem, the optical component includes a first polarizer parallel to thedisplay screen and a second polarizer angled at 45° to the displayscreen, a quarter waveplate, and a mirror, the optical component has alength approximate to the focal length of the mirror, the cameracomponent is connected to the optical component via a first slidingenclosure, the camera component is connected to the mount via a secondsliding enclosure, and the power switch and the magnification controlare fixed on any side of the mount.

Aspect 2. The vision aid device according to aspect 1, wherein eitherthe first polarizer or the second polarizer is a polarizingbeam-splitter.

Aspect 3. The vision aid device according to aspect 1 or 2, furthercomprising another controller capable of outputting or receiving atleast one command through a wired or wireless approach.

Aspect 4. The vision aid device according to any of aspects 1-3, whereinthe first sliding enclosure can be adjusted up to 8 mm.

Aspect 5. The vision aid device according to any of aspects 1-4, whereinthe second sliding enclosure can be adjusted up to 10 mm.

Aspect 6. The vision aid device according to aspect 3, wherein thecommand is used to control color scheme, brightness, and contrast.

Aspect 7. The vision aid device according to any of aspects 1-6, whereinthe power switch can be controlled by a proximity sensor.

Aspect 8. The vision aid device according to aspect 7, wherein theproximity sensor is an infrared sensor.

Aspect 9. The vision aid device according to any of aspects 1-8, whereinthe magnification control and the camera can magnify from 2 to 20 times.

Aspect 10. A method for improving the vision of a patient with maculardegeneration, comprising: installing the device according to aspect 1 infront of the patient's eye, wherein a scene in front of the patient iscaptured by a camera, stabilized, and then displayed on a screen; lightfrom the screen sequentially passes through a first linear polarizer, asecond linear polarizer, and a quarter waveplate to form circularlypolarized light; the circularly polarized light reflects off a mirror,re-passes through the quarter waveplate, reflects on the secondpolarizer and enters the patient's eye, forming a virtual image on partof the retina; and the scene and projection position on the retina, theextent of magnification, and the size of the image are adjusted by thepatient or an implemented program, until a clear image in a proper sizeis formed on a functioning part of the retina.

Aspect 11. A vision aid device for a patient with macular degeneration,without causing dizziness or with minimal dizziness, comprising a cameracomponent; a display screen; an optical component; a power switch; amount; and a magnification control, wherein the camera componentconsists of a camera with zoom and an image stabilization system; theoptical component comprises only one polarizer angled at 45 degrees tothe display screen, a quarter waveplate, and a mirror; the opticalcomponent has a length approximate to the focal length of the mirror;the camera component is connected to the optical component via a firstsliding enclosure; the camera component is connected to the mount via asecond sliding enclosure; and the power switch and the magnificationcontrol are fixed on any side of the mount.

Aspect 12. The vision aid device according to aspect 11, wherein thepolarizer is a polarizing beam-splitter.

Aspect 13. The vision aid device according to aspect 11 or aspect 12,further comprising another controller capable of outputting or receivingat least one command through a wired or a wireless approach.

Aspect 14. The vision aid device according to one of aspects 11-13,wherein the first sliding enclosure can be adjusted up to 8 mm.

Aspect 15. The vision aid device according to one of aspects 11-14,wherein the second sliding enclosure can be adjusted up to 10 mm.

Aspect 16. The vision aid device according to aspect 13, wherein thecommand is used to control color scheme, brightness, and contrast.

Aspect 17. The vision aid device according to one of aspects 11-16,wherein the power switch can be controlled by a proximity sensor.

Aspect 18. The vision aid device according to aspect 17, wherein theproximity sensor is an infrared sensor.

Aspect 19. The vision aid device according to one of aspects 11-18,wherein the magnification control can magnify from 2 to 20 times.

Aspect 20. A method for improving the vision of a patient with maculardegeneration, comprising installing the device of claim 11 in front ofthe patient's eye in need thereof, wherein a scene in front of thepatient is captured by a camera, stabilized, and then displayed on ascreen; light from the screen sequentially passes through a linearpolarizer, and a quarter waveplate to form circularly polarized light;the circularly polarized light reflects off a mirror, re-passes throughthe quarter waveplate, reflects on the polarizer and enters thepatient's eye forming a virtual image on part of the retina; and thescene and projection position on the retina, the extent ofmagnification, and the size of the image are adjusted by the patient oran implemented program, until a clear virtual image in a proper size isformed on a functioning part of the retina.

Aspect 21. A wearable device that aids vision of a person, comprising: adisplay system including a display device, a first polarizer parallel tothe display device, a quarter waveplate, and a mirror, wherein thedisplay device, the first polarizer, the quarter waveplate, and themirror are arranged sequentially such that the display device isdisposed at a first end of the display system and the mirror is disposedat a second, opposite end of the display system, the display systemhaving a length corresponding to a focal length of the mirror; a camerasystem including a camera and an image stabilization system, the cameraincluding a zoom magnification configured to provide up to at or about60 times zoom; a mount, the display system and the camera system beingsecured to the mount, wherein the display system and the camera systemare movable relative to each other about the mount; and a frame, themount being secured to the frame.

Aspect 22. The wearable device according to aspect 21, wherein thewearable device is a head-wearable device that is wearable on a head ofthe person.

Aspect 23. The wearable device according to aspect 22, wherein the frameis a hat.

Aspect 24. The wearable device according to aspect 22, wherein the frameis a glasses type frame.

Aspect 25. The wearable device according to one of aspects 21-24,wherein the display system further comprises a second polarizer, thesecond polarizer being disposed between the first polarizer and thequarter waveplate, the second polarizer being angled at an angle of ator about 45° relative to the display device.

Aspect 26. The wearable device according to aspect 25, wherein one ofthe first polarizer and the second polarizer is a polarizingbeam-splitter.

Aspect 27. The wearable device according to one of aspects 21-26,wherein the display device is a display screen.

Aspect 28. The wearable device according to one of aspects 21-27,wherein the display system is transparent.

Aspect 29. The wearable device according to one of aspects 21-28,further comprising a controller having a magnification control and apower switch.

Aspect 30. The wearable device according to aspect 29, wherein the powerswitch is one of a physical switch and a proximity sensor, the proximitysensor being an infrared sensor.

Aspect 31. The wearable device according to one of aspects 21-30,wherein the display system and the camera system are adjustable in anx-direction and a y-direction.

Aspect 32. The wearable device according to aspect 31, wherein thex-direction is adjustable up to at or about 8 mm and the y-direction isadjustable up to at or about 10 mm.

Aspect 33. A head-wearable device that aids vision of a person,comprising: a display system including a display device, a firstpolarizer parallel to the display device, a second polarizer disposed ata 45° angle relative to the display device, a quarter waveplate, and amirror, wherein the display device, the first polarizer, the secondpolarizer, the quarter waveplate, and the mirror are arrangedsequentially such that the display device is disposed at a first end ofthe display system and the mirror is disposed at a second, opposite endof the display system, the display system having a length correspondingto a focal length of the mirror; a camera system including a camera andan image stabilization system, the camera including a zoom magnificationconfigured to provide up to at or about 60 times zoom; a mount, thedisplay system and the camera system being secured to the mount, whereinthe display system and the camera system are movable relative to eachother about the mount; and a frame, the mount being secured to theframe.

Aspect 34. The head-wearable device according to aspect 33, wherein theframe is a hat.

Aspect 35. The head-wearable device according to one of aspects 33 or34, wherein the frame is a glasses type frame.

Aspect 36. The head-wearable device according to one of aspects 33-35,wherein one of the first polarizer and the second polarizer is apolarizing beam-splitter.

Aspect 37. The head-wearable device according to one of aspects 33-36,wherein the display device is a display screen and is one of an organiclight emitting diode (OLED) display and a ferroelectric liquid crystalon silicon (FLCOS) display.

Aspect 38. The head-wearable device according to one of aspects 33-37,wherein the display system and the camera system are adjustable in anx-direction and a y-direction.

Aspect 39. A method to aid vision of a person with a visual degenerationmedical condition, comprising: installing a wearable device according toaspect 21 in the person's field of view; capturing a scene in front ofthe person with a camera; stabilizing the scene as captured; displayingthe scene as stabilized on a display system of the wearable device,wherein the displaying includes: passing light through the first linearpolarizer, the second linear polarizer, and the quarter waveplate toform circularly polarized light; reflecting the circularly polarizedlight off the mirror; passing the reflected circularly polarized lightthrough the quarter waveplate and reflecting on the second polarizer topass into the person's eye, thereby forming a virtual image on part ofthe retina.

Aspect 40. The method according to aspect 39, wherein the scene and aprojection position of the virtual image on the retina, an extent ofmagnification, and a size of the image are adjusted by the person or animplemented program, until a clear image in a proper size is formed on afunctioning part of the retina.

The terminology used in this specification is intended to describeparticular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms“a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearlyindicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” whenused in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.

With regard to the preceding description, it is to be understood thatchanges may be made in detail, especially in matters of the constructionmaterials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. This specificationand the embodiments described are exemplary only, with the true scopeand spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable device that aids vision of a person,comprising: a display system including a display device, a firstpolarizer parallel to the display device, a quarter waveplate, and amirror, wherein the display device, the first polarizer, the quarterwaveplate, and the mirror are arranged sequentially such that thedisplay device is disposed at a first end of the display system and themirror is disposed at a second, opposite end of the display system, thedisplay system having a length corresponding to a focal length of themirror; a camera system including a camera and an image stabilizationsystem, the camera including a zoom magnification configured to provideup to at or about 60 times zoom; a mount, the display system and thecamera system being secured to the mount, wherein the display system andthe camera system are movable relative to each other about the mount,the mount including a hollow enclosure; first and second adjustmentmechanisms, the first adjustment mechanism being such that the camerasystem is movable in a length direction of the mount within theenclosure, the second adjustment mechanism being such that the displaysystem is movable in a direction perpendicular to the length directionof the mount; and a frame, the mount being secured to the frame.
 2. Thewearable device according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device is ahead-wearable device that is wearable on a head of the person.
 3. Thewearable device according to claim 2, wherein the frame is one of a hator a glasses type frame.
 4. The wearable device according to claim 1,wherein the display system further comprises a second polarizer, thesecond polarizer being disposed between the first polarizer and thequarter waveplate, the second polarizer being angled at an angle of ator about 45° relative to the display device.
 5. The wearable deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the second polarizer includes two combinedpolarizing beam splitters.
 6. The wearable device according to claim 1,wherein the display device is a display screen.
 7. The wearable deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the display system is transparent.
 8. Thewearable device according to claim 1, further comprising a magnificationcontrol and a power switch.
 9. The wearable device according to claim 8,wherein the power switch is one of a physical switch and a proximitysensor, the proximity sensor being an infrared sensor.
 10. The wearabledevice according to claim 1, wherein the display system and the camerasystem are adjustable in an x-direction and a y-direction, the lengthdirection being the y-direction.
 11. The wearable device according toclaim 10, wherein the x-direction is adjustable up to at or about 8 mmand the y-direction is adjustable up to at or about 10 mm.
 12. A methodto aid vision of a person with a visual degeneration medical condition,comprising: installing a wearable device according to claim 1 in aperson's field of view; capturing a scene in front of the person withthe camera; stabilizing the scene as captured; displaying the scene asstabilized on the display system of the wearable device, wherein thedisplaying includes: passing light through the first linear polarizer,the second linear polarizer, and the quarter waveplate to formcircularly polarized light; reflecting the circularly polarized lightoff the mirror; passing the reflected circularly polarized light throughthe quarter waveplate and reflecting on the second polarizer to passinto the person's eye, thereby forming a virtual image on part of aretina and filling the person's field of view.
 13. The method accordingto claim 12, including adjusting the scene and a projection position ofthe virtual image on the retina, an extent of magnification, and a sizeof the image until a clear image in a proper size is formed on afunctioning part of a retina.
 14. The wearable device according to claim1, further comprising a retina scanner, wherein the first and secondadjustment mechanisms are actuatable based on a scan of the retina bythe retina scanner.
 15. A head-wearable device that aids vision of aperson, comprising: a display system including a display device, a firstpolarizer parallel to the display device, a second polarizer disposed ata 45° angle relative to the display device, a quarter waveplate, and amirror, wherein the display device, the first polarizer, the secondpolarizer, the quarter waveplate, and the mirror are arrangedsequentially such that the display device is disposed at a first end ofthe display system and the mirror is disposed at a second, opposite endof the display system, the display system having a length correspondingto a focal length of the mirror; a camera system including a camera andan image stabilization system, the camera including a zoom magnificationconfigured to provide up to at or about 60 times zoom; a mount, thedisplay system and the camera system being secured to the mount, whereinthe display system and the camera system are movable relative to eachother about the mount, the mount including a hollow enclosure; first andsecond adjustment mechanisms, the first adjustment mechanism being suchthat the camera system is movable in a length direction of the mountwithin the enclosure to adjust a distance between the display system andan eye of the person wearing the head-wearable device, the secondadjustment mechanism being such that the display system is moveable in adirection perpendicular to the length direction of the mount to adjust aposition between the camera system and the display system; and a frame,the mount being secured to the frame.
 16. The head-wearable deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the frame is a hat.
 17. The head-wearabledevice according to claim 15, wherein the frame is a glasses type frame.18. The head-wearable device according to claim 15, wherein one of thefirst polarizer and the second polarizer is a polarizing beam-splitter.19. The head-wearable device according to claim 15, wherein the displaydevice is a display screen and is one of an organic light emitting diode(OLED) display, a ferroelectric liquid crystal on silicon (FLCOS)display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, and a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD).
 20. The head-wearable device according to claim 15,wherein the display system and the camera system are adjustable in anx-direction and a y-direction.